The Chicago Cubs are headed into the final stretch of the MLB regular season as a team that is firmly in a playoff position. However, slugger Kyle Tucker continues to battle a calf injury, and it has led to speculation by fans as to why he hasn't had an IL stint yet.
Well, manager Craig Counsell cleared the air on the injury front, and also provided a big update on Kyle Tucker ahead of the team's upcoming series vs. the Braves.
Kyle Tucker is unlikely to return to the lineup on Monday
Due to his calf strain, Kyle Tucker is unlikely to return to the Cubs' lineup on Monday, as they open up a new series against the Braves.
This would mark Tucker's fourth consecutive game out of the lineup with calf tightness.
"Manager Craig Counsell said following Sunday's 6-3 loss to Washington that he doesn't think that Tucker will be in the lineup Monday, but that the team is "starting to approach availability" with the outfielder. Tucker can continue to be considered day-to-day for the time being."
So while some have been calling for an Injured List stint, Counsell indicated that he may be close to returning.
Tucker has not missed many games for Chicago this season. Although he's struggled over the past couple of months, he's still played in 133 games and has an OPS+ of 148.
Notably, the biggest free agent in the 2026 class, Chicago, is being cautious with its top slugger as the playoffs approach rapidly. This is ultimately when Tucker's true value will be assessed.
He's smashed 22 home runs in those 133 games, and has driven in 73 runs.
His calf tightness situation will continue to be monitored closely, but if he doesn't return to the lineup in the coming days, there will certainly be cause for larger concern.